Brahim Hemdani began his Algeria tenure with a 3-1 win over Zambia in Tizi Ouzou on Friday, giving the new coach an encouraging start to the CAN 2027 qualifying campaign.
The hosts took an early lead through Jaouen Hadjam, but Fashion Sakala’s equaliser briefly unsettled them. Ibrahim Maza restored Algeria’s advantage before Anis Hadj Moussa completed the scoring, with the home side creating enough chances to have won by a wider margin.
Maza takes centre stage
Wearing the unusual number 30 shirt, Maza operated at the heart of Algeria’s attacking play and influenced all three goals.
His turn and burst through the middle in the second minute opened up Zambia’s defence. He then released Mohamed Amoura, whose pass allowed Hadjam to score with a low finish across goal.
After Sakala levelled in the 57th minute, Maza responded decisively. Ten minutes later, a move involving Amoura and Amin Chiakha sent him towards goal from a tight angle. His powerful left-footed shot across the goalkeeper restored Algeria’s lead in the 67th minute.
Maza then produced a clever backheel for Hadj Moussa, who finished after his first attempt had been saved in the 74th minute. His ability to accelerate attacks and bring team-mates into play made him the key creative influence in a commanding performance.
Amoura thrives on the left
Algeria’s most effective attacks came down the left, where Amoura showed the pace and sharpness that had occasionally been missing in his recent international appearances.
His movement created space, while his acceleration repeatedly disrupted Zambia. He supplied both assists but could have completed his contribution had he been more accurate, particularly with a chance in the 54th minute.
Mohamed Bachir Belloumi, making his first appearance for Algeria, had a quieter night on the right. He worked hard but was rarely found in promising positions, although he did attempt a shot in the 65th minute. Hadj Moussa, introduced as his replacement, made a more immediate impact.
Hemdani will need to find ways to bring greater involvement from the right flank and prevent Algeria’s attack becoming too reliant on Amoura’s movement.
Defensive concern and Gouiri injury
Algeria largely kept a subdued Zambia under control, but the visitors exposed a weakness on the right for their equaliser. Saadi Radouani was beaten too easily by Sakala and, having started in place of Rafik Belghali, missed an opportunity to strengthen his claim.
The mistake will renew discussion over Hemdani’s selection, with Abada another possible option. Radouani should not be judged solely on one incident, but the competition for his position will demand greater assuredness.
Ramy Bensebaini, the captain, and Samir Chergui were solid in central defence, while Hadjam combined his early goal with useful attacking play.
The main concern was Amine Gouiri’s injury. The forward was struck on the tibia by an opponent’s boot around the 20-minute mark and had to leave the game. Almost a year after suffering a shoulder injury on international duty, the Marseille player faces another setback, with its seriousness yet to be established.
At OM, where Bruno Genesio already has limited options, the diagnosis will be awaited closely. Chiakha replaced Gouiri and worked tirelessly, although he had few opportunities to finish. His one-touch involvement in the build-up to Maza’s goal underlined his value in combination play.
Substitutions reward Hemdani
Hemdani, assisted by Anthar Yahia, also received an early positive response from his bench. Adil Boulbina and Hadj Moussa came on in the 71st minute and combined for Algeria’s third goal three minutes later.
Boulbina created the opening on the left before finding Maza, whose backheel set up Hadj Moussa. The changes finally gave Algeria the cushion their performance warranted.
The opposition was limited and further matches will be needed to assess Hemdani’s methods properly. However, Algeria created enough chances to win comfortably and reacted well after conceding. His opening match has provided a sound platform on which to continue.